Sri Lanka reaffirms climate commitment, targets 70% renewable energy by 2030

Colombo, June 30 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka has reaffirmed its commitment to ambitious climate action and sustainable development goals, with plans to meet 70 per cent of the country's energy demand through renewable sources by 2030 and beyond, Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody said.

Speaking at the ministerial-level special session of the 7th Global Conference on Climate and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Synergies held in Bangkok, Thailand, the Deputy Minister outlined Sri Lanka's national policies aimed at integrating climate action with sustainable development priorities.

Addressing the summit, Jayakody said that climate action should not be viewed as an isolated initiative but as a key component of sustainable economic growth, social inclusion, environmental protection and long-term resilience.

He highlighted Sri Lanka's latest Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3) report for the period 2026-2035, which outlines ambitious climate targets with a focus on green innovation, renewable energy, sustainable transport and the circular economy.

According to the Deputy Minister, Sri Lanka believes that climate action can attract new investments, create green employment opportunities, improve livelihoods and strengthen economic resilience.

He further said that the government has prioritized the promotion of green hydrogen, modernization of the national electricity grid, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land management and large-scale ecosystem restoration programmes.

The Deputy Minister made these remarks while participating in a series of international environmental summits organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in Bangkok.